Marvel Studios and their Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been providing fans with content for decades, whether it be with comic books, films or original series. Since Marvel kick-started the MCU film franchise in 2008, they have been steadily releasing new movies every year, with the exception of 2009 and 2020. 

These 23 films are based on Marvel comic book characters created by late writers Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Characters in these films are widely adored by fans, whether they are heroes or villains. After 2020, a year with no Marvel releases, fans are more excited than ever for new Marvel movies and Disney Plus shows that are set to come out in the near future. 

Marvel’s first release of the year was “WandaVision,” with the first two of nine episodes streaming on Disney Plus on Jan. 15. The original series takes place just weeks after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” and follows Wanda Maximoff and the consequences of her grieving the loss of her loved one, Vision. 

“Avengers: Endgame” was released in April of 2019 and is a fan-favorite for many, as it is an emotional culmination of the first three phases of MCU films and features characters seen throughout every film. 

“My favorite Marvel film is Endgame because it has all of my favorite characters in it,” senior Alexis Surenda said. 

Marvel’s second release of the year is “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Episode one was available on Disney Plus for streaming on March 19. The last five episodes of the series can be viewed on Disney Plus each upcoming Friday. 

“Black Widow” is set to hit theaters on May 7, though nothing is permanent. The film was originally supposed to be released in May of 2020, then again on Nov. 6, 2020, but was continuously delayed due to COVID-19. Despite being a well-liked character, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow has not had a stand-alone film until now. 

“My most favorite character is Black Widow because she’s amazing and shows female power. She shows that we can hold our own and be stronger than any man if we want to be,” Surenda said. 

Marvel Studios’ original series “Loki” starts streaming to Disney Plus this year on June 11. While Loki began as a villain in the MCU, he is now very popular with fans and his television series is much anticipated. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is the final MCU project confirmed for a 2021 release, and will hit theaters on Dec. 25. Marvel’s “Hawkeye” series is currently filming, as well as “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which will be in theaters on May 6, 2022. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” is one of the numerous other MCU projects that are supposed to be released in 2022, and has fans excited, creating theories about its plot and cast. 

Fans recognize Marvel projects as more than just meaningless superhero movies because of their attachment to the franchise and the level of detail put into each film or series. Marvel fans grew up watching these movies and shows, and have continued watching them over the years. 

“I’ve been a Marvel fan for years. I grew up watching “The Super Hero Squad” on television and had a game based on it. I also watched tons of Iron Man and Hulk shows with my siblings, and we were so excited to see new Marvel movies when they came out,” junior Norina Baker said. 

Many appreciate Marvel projects because of the special details in each one, such as Stan Lee’s goofy cameos. After any Marvel movie, theaters remain filled with fans who watch the credits just for short middle and end credit scenes that connect each movie.

“What I like most about Marvel is that there’s so many pieces that get put together throughout the movies and it just gives me so many chills. The acting is also so good and I loved Stan Lee’s cameos and I loved staying to watch the end credit scenes because they were amazing,” Baker said. 

With the entirety of “WandaVision” released, the release of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” freshly underway and many more films and television series to come later this year and in 2022, Marvel continues to excite fans. 

Marvel has been changing the lives of fans for years and continues to inspire people with each new release. The level of success and influence the MCU has had on people over the years is really something to marvel at. 

“I love how every Marvel character has a part. Everyone is needed in some way or another and shows that anyone no matter what you look like, how old you are, or where you come from can be important. Anyone can be someone’s superhero,” Surenda said.